Niger Ultra is a 100km ultra marathon in Agadez, Niger. Distance: 100km. Elevation: 800m D+. Difficulty: challenging (Challenge Rating 35/100). DNF rate: 15%. Time limit: 20h. Surface: sand. Established 2016.
Niger Ultra
Agadez, Agadez, Niger
"100km through the Saharan fringe near Agadez — running in the land of the Tuareg."
A desert ultra on the edge of the Ténéré — one of the most remote and culturally rich ultrarunning destinations on Earth.
The Course
A 100km desert ultra through the Saharan fringe near Agadez, the gateway to the Ténéré Desert. The course crosses sand dunes, rocky desert, and oasis terrain. Running through the land of the Tuareg — one of the most remote and culturally rich ultra destinations on Earth.
flat
loop
6
550m
Runner Experience
Remote course with widely spaced aid points. Runners should be prepared for long unsupported stretches.
Warm, inclusive finish line with a strong community feel. Runners celebrate together regardless of finish time.
Race Day Weather
28°C
16° – 38°
15%
2%
Saharan fringe in November. Hot during the day, cool at night. Extremely dry. Clear skies.
Stats & Records
2016
60
14:00:00
8:22:33
Ibrahim Oumarou (2023)
11:05:12
Sylvie Dargent (2022)
Entry
€350
April
months
Lore & Trivia
Created to bring ultrarunning to one of Africa's least-visited regions, the Niger Ultra offers an adventure beyond sport.
- ▸ Agadez is the gateway to the Ténéré Desert, one of the most remote and inhospitable places on Earth.
- ▸ The Tuareg people, known as the Blue People of the Desert, have inhabited this region for millennia.
- ▸ The Grand Mosque of Agadez, built in the 16th century, is visible from the race route.
- ▸ Niger is one of the least-visited countries in the world — this race offers a rare window into its culture.
- ▸ Established in 2016.
Running in the Sahel — West Africa's transition zone where the desert meets the tropics. A race unlike anything in Europe or America.
Compare with another race
Similar Races
10 OCT 2026
Lesotho Ultra Trail
Roma, Lesotho
22 NOV 2026
Ultra-Trail Cape Town
Cape Town, South Africa
27 JUN 2026
90km du Mont-Blanc
Chamonix, France
8 AUG 2026
Amsterdam 100
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Niger Ultra? +
Niger Ultra is a 100km (100km) ultra marathon with 800m of elevation gain. The course is loop on sand terrain.
How hard is Niger Ultra? +
Niger Ultra is rated challenging with a Challenge Rating of 35/100 (Moderate). The DNF rate is 15%. Runners have 20 hours to finish.
What is the weather like at Niger Ultra? +
Average temperature is 28°C (range 16°C to 38°C) with 15% humidity and a 2% chance of rain. Saharan fringe in November. Hot during the day, cool at night. Extremely dry. Clear skies.
Are crew and pacers allowed at Niger Ultra? +
No crew access is permitted. Pacers are not allowed. Mandatory gear is required.
What is the course record for Niger Ultra? +
The men's course record is 8:22:33 set by Ibrahim Oumarou in 2023. The women's course record is 11:05:12 set by Sylvie Dargent in 2022.
What is the average finish time for Niger Ultra? +
The average finish time is 14:00:00. About 60 runners finish each year. The DNF rate is 15%.
Are you the organizer? Claim this race
Stay in the loop
New races, course records, and stories from the trail — monthly